Phillies vs. Twins: Game Preview, Odds, and Pitching Matchup for Aug. 16

The Philadelphia Phillies look to sweep their series with the Minnesota Twins beginning at 2:10 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16. Now 66-58 on the season, the Phillies are trying to gain ground in the National League Wild Card race after a slump following the All-Star Break dropped them temporarily out of the playoff field.

While the Twins (60-64) play in the American League and, as such, won’t affect any tiebreakers outside of extreme scenarios, the Phillies badly need to find another gear as they fight for their playoff lives. As per usual, NBC Sports Philadelphia will carry this broadcast.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Philadelphia Phillies -110 / Minnesota Twins -101
• Run Line: Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 (+144) / Minnesota Twins +1.5 (-174)
• Over/Under: 9 (Over -120 / Under -101)

Weather

Air temperature will sit at 78 degrees around first pitch, climbing into the low 80s as the afternoon progresses as the partly cloudy skies burn off. Humidity will hover around 50 percent, making for a comfortable matchup, and a crossbreeze between 10 and 15 miles per hour could knock down fly balls on their path to the wall.

Pitching Matchup

The Twins will send right-hander Dean Kremer (5.25 ERA, 48 innings pitched, 1.17 WHIP and 8.81 K/9) to the mound against rookie right-hander Andrew Painter (6.27 ERA, 80.1 innings pitched, 1.53 WHIP and 7.75 K/9). Painter has looked like a different pitcher since getting recalled from Triple-A, .

Phillies vs. Dean Kremer

The Phillies have struggled historically against Kremer, posting a career 8-for-41 (.195 batting average) mark against the righty. Brandon Marsh has a double and Bryson Stott has a triple off him, the Fightins’ lone extra base hits.

While Kremer has just nine strikeouts against the Phillies’ lineup, his pitch to contact style has stymied them. Pessimists could bet on the Phillies to continue their struggles against Kremer, while Andrew Painter’s modest strikeout prop line of 3.5 provides solid value if he’s able to stay in the game long enough to hit that target.